There's nothing unusual about a church celebrating a milestone; churches take time to mark special occasions regularly. But when a church has a grand opening, it is a truly unique observance. The Avenue Church in Social Circle will mark its grand opening on Sept. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Social Circle Theater.

The Saints come marching in: The Singing Saints Choir of Covington First United Methodist Church will sing for the Day Revival at Monticello Baptist Church on Wednesday, October 20 at 11:00 AM. Preaching will be Dr. Harper Shannon, leader of evangelism among Alabama Baptists, and former pastor of churches in Birmingham and Montgomery. Pictured are the members of the choir with Becky Ramsey, Director (front row, left) and Alice Walker, Accompanist (front row, right).

Attention golfers: are you looking for a way to save lives and make a difference in the community while playing the sport you love? Next month, you have the opportunity to do just that. Refuge Pregnancy Center is hosting the 2010 Cari Hilton Memorial Golf Tournament on Sept. 20 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Oaks course in Covington. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the center.

Teenagers often have the reputation of being self-centered. Whether playing video games, spending hours on Facebook or working a part-time job to make extra money, many teens spend their free time in pursuit of things that only benefit themselves. Two local students are shattering the stereotype of the selfish teenager by committing to raise $10,000 to help relieve the water crisis in the African nation of Zambia.

Nearly all churches take seriously Christ's call to make disciples. However, discipleship is not a one-size-fits-all process, and many churches need help developing a discipleship system that works for them. One local man has dedicated himself to helping church leaders cultivate strategies to turn mere converts into disciples who devote their lives fully to Christ.

A local church with a long and storied history opened a new chapter with the installation of its first female senior pastor. The Rev. Rhoda Howell was appointed by the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church to serve as pastor of Salem United Methodist Church in July. Howell came to Covington from Trinity United Methodist Church in Dalton and has served at various churches in Cobb County.

For an adherent of any faith, the opportunity to connect directly with one's spiritual heritage is rare. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have a unique privilege, in that their religious history runs parallel to American history. Earlier this summer, eight high school students and two adults from the Covington congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took part in an event that celebrated both the historical and spiritual traditions of their faith.

Churches have long been committed to taking care of the elderly. For years, churches have devoted resources and staff and volunteer hours to ministering to "shut-ins" and visiting those in nursing homes. With the advent of assisted living facilities, churches have discovered new ways to reach out to older generations. Local assisted living facilities have seen the benefits of churches reaching out to their residents.

There's an old adage that says, "you can't go home again." Many young people who feel the call to ministry are discovering that the cliche is simply not true as they return to serve at their home churches. Covington native Philip Carroll, youth minister at Covington Christian Church, is one of those people.

Education is key to a child's success throughout life, and most parents want to find the best possible education for their children. There are many opportunities for quality education in Newton County, from public schools to private academies to home schooling. One local school is working to provide a Christian-based education in a unique atmosphere.

For generations of children, the Vacation Bible School experience has been the same, with countless churches purchasing the same curriculum as other churches year after year. A local church is transforming the VBS experience into one that includes the entire family. Eastridge Community Church will put on "Go Orange Presents: Secret Service" on July 11 at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. and July 12-14 at 7 p.m.